Hey everybody, I searched for this P0011 thread - apologies if this is a repeat. I've got a P0011 code showing up on my daughter's 2012 (148,000miles). I searched google and found the normal stuff to check (check / change oil, clean the oil screen, then check check VTC actuator, etc)


. I replaced the VTC Actuator - which was broken so I thought that would clearly take care of it. Unfortunately the code returned so I replaced the cam timing sensor (one of two), and it was weak at best, again, figured that was the key, but no, code shows back up after driving 25 miles or so. I have also been cleaning all connectors as I go and adding dielectric grease. It seems to run fine, but aside from replacing the other cam timing sensor, I'm not sure what my next move is (aside from taking it in to a dealership). Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance.

 

When you mention cleaning the oil screen, do you mean the VTC strainer?

 

Yeah, I cleaned the VTC Strainer, and actually replaced the OTHER cam timing sensor to no avail. I guess I'm going to pay a dealership for diagnosis...

What's the best option for getting a full service manual for these cars?

 

The service manual lists some tests that require an HDS - not sure if some of these can also be done with an aftermarket scan tool.

If going with the parts cannon method, seems like the next thing to replace is the VTC oil control solenoid.

 

Easy - I really appreciate the help. I actually already changed the VTC Solenoid (and it was broken - so I obviously figured it was the problem) - but no dice, still having the issue. I could have got a bad new part, but seems like a long shot.

 

One other idea... try doing the next few oil changes with Valvoline restore and protect oil. This oil has a good rep for cleaning sludge and carbon buildup out of engines.

My theory is that somehow one of the oil passages that actuates VTC might be blocked and this could potentially resolve that. But I'm just speculating here tbh.

 

I would see if you can get a scanner that can do all the honda/acura codes. Sometimes generic codes are not enough and you may have some other codes which will trigger with it but you cannot see.

 

So update to this saga...I took it to a Honda dealership last Friday & had them do a diagnostic. They spent 4 hrs and couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know so that was a total waste of time. I did however get a set of OEM service manuals, and there is a whole procedure for diagnosing a P0011 (and all the other) code, but it requires a bi-directional scanner to do - there are several tests and learn sequences that have to be done. I'm not at all sure the Honda dealership had that Acura P0011 procedure, and I know they didn't drive it (which is part of the procedure), so I ordered a Launch Creader Elite V2.0 which supposedly does everything the Honda HDS does. Fingers crossed & will update when I find out if I doing the Acura P0011 procedure actually fixes my issue.

Moral of the story so far...buy a set of OEM manuals and a bi-directional scanner from the get-go...